The Beyond Nuclear project based in Washington DC recently convened a series of speaking events for Indigenous people affected by nuclear industry projects.
Featured speakers included Mitch, an Arrernte/Luritja woman from Central Australia, Sidi-Amar Taoua, a Toureg nomad from Niger and Manuel Pinto, an Acoma Pueblo person from New Mexico who won the 2008 nuclear free futures award. Dr Bruno Chareyron, director of CRIIRAD (Commission for Independent Research and Information on Radioactivity) also participated in the tour to present his research of uranium contamination in Niger.
The tour was timed to coincide with the Powershift Youth Climate Action Conference, which was attended by around 12 000 people from across the USA. There was a strong focus on ‘carbon free, nuclear free’ campaigning, with the panel discussions on nuclear issues attracting over 500 people.
Over the three days of speaking tour events, which included a press conference, film screening of Poison Wind (directed by Jenny Pond), and lobbying on Capitol Hill, the Indigenous speakers shared many personal experiences and insights about the devastating effects of the nuclear industry on land, culture and communities.
Mitch, who has spent years fighting a radioactive dump proposed on her traditional land said; we have companies coming into Australia and we are told that uranium is clean and green and its renewable energy. We know that this is lies and this is a disgusting form of control over a population that is made to rely on the government for all their resources, their energy, their consumption.
It is policies of genocide so that other people can have power.
We are told that the next generation will have the education and the smarts to fix up our problems… but I don’t think we have the moral rights as your elders to leave the mess for you to fix up.
We do not want the next generation to try and get water out of rock, to get air out of sludge, to get food out of the bottom of the sea that is full of algae.
Sidi-Amar Taoua explained the impact of the uranium mining industry on Toureg people and their traditions;
The Toureg remain of one of the last people who live in the Saharan desert. Their way of life revolves around finding grazing for flocks of livestock in one of the planet’s hardest landscapes.
Uranium continues to be a critical French national interest since the country produces more than 80 per cent of energy from power plants that are fuelled by Niger uranium. One French lightbulb in three is lit by uranium from Toureg land.
People have many kind of diseases. Many are worried about the spread of radioactive dust from the mining companies bulldozers and machines. People are forced to pick through the company garbage for scrap metal to build and furnish their houses. Meanwhile French mining executives and other expatriates live nearby in luxurious villas with land and swimming pools.
Toureg believe uranium mining and its attendant operations pose a critical threat for the environment and especially for the Toureg existence. The Toureg have inhabited this part of northern Niger since the 19th century. They understand that the world is changing but they are asking that their rights as indigenous people, their land and their way of life to be respected.
With the nuclear industry still insisting a ‘nuclear renaissance’ is around the corner, Manuel Pino from the Acoma Pueblo tribe succinctly pointed out;
…how can we put the cart before the horse and say that nuclear power is the answer when we cant even dispose of the waste or clean up the existing legacy mines or mills that exist, in a majority of times, on indigenous peoples lands.
Written by Natalie Wasley
Beyond Nuclear Initiative-uranium project coordinator
www.beyondnuclearinitiative.wordpress.com
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Opinions divided on uranium royalties
Opinions divided on uranium royalties
Posted Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:30pm AEDT
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/31/2531522.htm
The Ranger Mine is exempt from the Bill because it has its own deal with the Federal Government. (Reuters: Rio Tinto/David Hancock, file photo)
A Senate committee has heard from environmentalists who are opposed to changing the way uranium royalties are levied in the Northern Territory.
Hearings into the proposed changes started in Darwin this afternoon.
At present, the royalties are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, but the proposals would see royalties levied at 18 per cent of the mine's profits.
Conservation Foundation spokesman Dave Sweeney says the changes should give Aboriginal people the choice to oppose uranium mining on their land as well as addressing royalties.
"If the justification for this bill is that it will bring benefit to Aboriginal communities, shouldn't the first step be asking the communities if they want it?" he said. "Shouldn't that be the first question that is asked?
"Rather than assuming, rather than dictating, rather than imposing - ask."
Mr Sweeney told senators not to treat uranium like other minerals in the Northern Territory.
"Whilst [the Government] is trying to clear the decks and make uranium like any other mineral, we say very clearly it's not," he said.
"There is no other mineral linked with such significant weapons and proliferation and security risks.
"There is no other mineral that creates such long-lived waste. So it's not business as usual."
Meanwhile, traditional owners of the Ranger Mine land say the changes will compromise the livelihood of Aboriginal land holders.
Ranger is exempt from the Bill because it has its own deal with the Federal Government whereby the royalties are charged based on revenue.
Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation spokesman Justin O'Brien says the revenue-based system is less risky.
"Whether or not the mining company is making a profit, traditional owners are making a profit," he said.
"Traditional owners receive an economic benefit because while that operation is happening, they are precluded from accessing their country.
"We would much rather a system whereby people received compensation for that rather than only receiving an income stream when the company is turning a profit."
Posted Tue Mar 31, 2009 9:30pm AEDT
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/03/31/2531522.htm
The Ranger Mine is exempt from the Bill because it has its own deal with the Federal Government. (Reuters: Rio Tinto/David Hancock, file photo)
A Senate committee has heard from environmentalists who are opposed to changing the way uranium royalties are levied in the Northern Territory.
Hearings into the proposed changes started in Darwin this afternoon.
At present, the royalties are negotiated on a case-by-case basis, but the proposals would see royalties levied at 18 per cent of the mine's profits.
Conservation Foundation spokesman Dave Sweeney says the changes should give Aboriginal people the choice to oppose uranium mining on their land as well as addressing royalties.
"If the justification for this bill is that it will bring benefit to Aboriginal communities, shouldn't the first step be asking the communities if they want it?" he said. "Shouldn't that be the first question that is asked?
"Rather than assuming, rather than dictating, rather than imposing - ask."
Mr Sweeney told senators not to treat uranium like other minerals in the Northern Territory.
"Whilst [the Government] is trying to clear the decks and make uranium like any other mineral, we say very clearly it's not," he said.
"There is no other mineral linked with such significant weapons and proliferation and security risks.
"There is no other mineral that creates such long-lived waste. So it's not business as usual."
Meanwhile, traditional owners of the Ranger Mine land say the changes will compromise the livelihood of Aboriginal land holders.
Ranger is exempt from the Bill because it has its own deal with the Federal Government whereby the royalties are charged based on revenue.
Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation spokesman Justin O'Brien says the revenue-based system is less risky.
"Whether or not the mining company is making a profit, traditional owners are making a profit," he said.
"Traditional owners receive an economic benefit because while that operation is happening, they are precluded from accessing their country.
"We would much rather a system whereby people received compensation for that rather than only receiving an income stream when the company is turning a profit."
Locals demand answers over Angela Pamela
Locals demand answers over Angela Pamela
http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2009/03/27/2528374.htm?site=alicesprings&rotator=true
The Minister for Resources, Kon Vatskalis, spent a tense hour at a community meeting discussing the potential exploration at the Angela Pamela uranium deposits south of Alice Springs.
Over one hundred people packed the Andy McNeil room at the Alice Springs Town Council to put questions to the Minister.
A panel grilled the Minister on everything from water use to dust suppression, eventually asking him to revoke the license given to Cameco to explore the site.
The meeting was organised by a number of local organisations concerned about the proposed mine south of town.
Organiser, Emma Chessell, from the Alice Springs Angela Pamela Collective said the meeting was a success.
"It was really good the Minister reiterated his support for a public enquiry at the Federal level."
The Minister was heckled when he admitted to not knowing about the company's operations in Canada.
"I don't know what Cameco does in Canada, that's for Canada to decide," said Minister Kon Vatskalis.
Alice Springs local, Craig, who has lived in town for ten years and has two young children said he was disappointed with the Minister's response to one of his questions.
"I'm not happy with the response, I don't think he answered the question...It's in his power to end this now. He can revoke any licenses given and we wouldn't be here."
Following the meeting, Minister Vatskalis indicated that the mine may not even go ahead.
"There's no guarantee there's going to be a mine, there are a lot of hurdles to jump."
http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2009/03/27/2528374.htm?site=alicesprings&rotator=true
The Minister for Resources, Kon Vatskalis, spent a tense hour at a community meeting discussing the potential exploration at the Angela Pamela uranium deposits south of Alice Springs.
Over one hundred people packed the Andy McNeil room at the Alice Springs Town Council to put questions to the Minister.
A panel grilled the Minister on everything from water use to dust suppression, eventually asking him to revoke the license given to Cameco to explore the site.
The meeting was organised by a number of local organisations concerned about the proposed mine south of town.
Organiser, Emma Chessell, from the Alice Springs Angela Pamela Collective said the meeting was a success.
"It was really good the Minister reiterated his support for a public enquiry at the Federal level."
The Minister was heckled when he admitted to not knowing about the company's operations in Canada.
"I don't know what Cameco does in Canada, that's for Canada to decide," said Minister Kon Vatskalis.
Alice Springs local, Craig, who has lived in town for ten years and has two young children said he was disappointed with the Minister's response to one of his questions.
"I'm not happy with the response, I don't think he answered the question...It's in his power to end this now. He can revoke any licenses given and we wouldn't be here."
Following the meeting, Minister Vatskalis indicated that the mine may not even go ahead.
"There's no guarantee there's going to be a mine, there are a lot of hurdles to jump."
Climate Action Alert :CLIMATE ACTION GROUP
Climate Action Alert
=====================================================================
CLIMATE ACTION GROUP
Lobbying our Local Member
The Climate Action Group held a rally outside MHR Warren Snowdon's office on March 27th as part of a national Day of Action on Climate Change. The rally was a protest against the ludicrously low emissions target the Rudd government is proposing. CAG has submitted a list of questions via Warren's office and has been given an undertaking that these questions will be answered by April 14th.
Senate Inquiry
There is a Senate Select Committee on Climate Policy requesting input from organisations or individuals by this Wed 8 April. CAG is working on a submission, but anyone can put one in. See www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/climate_ctte/info.htm for where and how to send.
Action by Power and Water Corporation Jim Bamber, General Manager Retail has advised us that Power and Water expect to print comparative consumption data for electricity, water and greenhouse gas emissions on customer accounts from mid-April. Power and Water have also requested CAG's input into the design and format of a regular water consumption feature in local newspapers. (Electricity could follow.) We will be pleased to assist (and to keep nagging as necessary!)
=====================================================================
CLIMATE ACTION GROUP
Lobbying our Local Member
The Climate Action Group held a rally outside MHR Warren Snowdon's office on March 27th as part of a national Day of Action on Climate Change. The rally was a protest against the ludicrously low emissions target the Rudd government is proposing. CAG has submitted a list of questions via Warren's office and has been given an undertaking that these questions will be answered by April 14th.
Senate Inquiry
There is a Senate Select Committee on Climate Policy requesting input from organisations or individuals by this Wed 8 April. CAG is working on a submission, but anyone can put one in. See www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/climate_ctte/info.htm for where and how to send.
Action by Power and Water Corporation Jim Bamber, General Manager Retail has advised us that Power and Water expect to print comparative consumption data for electricity, water and greenhouse gas emissions on customer accounts from mid-April. Power and Water have also requested CAG's input into the design and format of a regular water consumption feature in local newspapers. (Electricity could follow.) We will be pleased to assist (and to keep nagging as necessary!)
Key Science Messages on Climate March 2009
Scientists at the international congress in Copenhagen, held in March 2009, have prepared a summary statement of their findings for policy makers. The congress was conceived as an update of the science of global warming ahead of the UN summit in December. Ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in December this statement will go to officials and heads of state at the conference. The full conclusions from the 2,500 scientific delegates from 80 countries that have attended the three-day meeting this week will be published in full in June 2009.
The scientists' six key messages are:
1) Climatic trends
Recent observations confirm that, given high rates of observed emissions, the worst-case IPCC scenario projections (or even worse) are being realised. For many key parameters, the climate is already moving beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived. These parameters include global mean surface temperature, sea-level rise, ocean and ice sheet dynamics, ocean acidification, and extreme climatic events. There is a significant risk that many of the trends will accelerate, leading to an increasing risk of abrupt or irreversible climatic shifts.
2) Social disruption
The research community is providing much more information to support discussions on "dangerous climate change". Recent observations show that societies are highly vulnerable to even modest levels of climate change, with poor nations and communities particularly at risk. Temperature rises above 2C will be very difficult for countries to cope with, and will increase the level of climate disruption through the rest of the century.
3) Long-term strategy
Rapid, sustained, and effective mitigation based on coordinated global and regional action is required to avoid "dangerous climate change" regardless of how it is defined. Weaker targets for 2020 increase the risk of crossing tipping points and make the task of meeting 2050 targets more difficult. Delay in initiating effective mitigation actions increases significantly the long-term social and economic costs of both adaptation and mitigation.
4) Equity dimensions
Climate change is having, and will have, strongly differential effects on people within and between countries and regions, on this generation and future generations, and on human societies and the natural world. An effective, well-funded adaptation safety net is required for those people least capable of coping with climate change impacts, and a common but differentiated mitigation strategy is needed to protect the poor and most vulnerable.
5) Inaction is inexcusable
There is no excuse for inaction. We already have many tools and approaches — economic, technological, behavioural, management — to deal effectively with the climate change challenge. But they must be vigorously and widely implemented to achieve the societal transformation required to decarbonise economies. A wide range of benefits will flow from a concerted effort to alter our energy economy now, including sustainable energy job growth, reductions in the health and economic costs of climate change, and the restoration of ecosystems and revitalisation of ecosystem services.
6) Meeting the challenge
To achieve the societal transformation required to meet the climate change challenge, we must overcome a number of significant constraints and seize critical opportunities. These include reducing inertia in social and economic systems; building on a growing public desire for governments to act on climate change; removing implicit and explicit subsidies; reducing the influence of vested interests that increase emissions and reduce resilience; enabling the shifts from ineffective governance and weak institutions to innovative leadership in government, the private sector and civil society; and engaging society in the transition to norms and practices that foster sustainability.
Based on a report on the conference outcomes in the UK Guardian.
Peter Tait
The scientists' six key messages are:
1) Climatic trends
Recent observations confirm that, given high rates of observed emissions, the worst-case IPCC scenario projections (or even worse) are being realised. For many key parameters, the climate is already moving beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived. These parameters include global mean surface temperature, sea-level rise, ocean and ice sheet dynamics, ocean acidification, and extreme climatic events. There is a significant risk that many of the trends will accelerate, leading to an increasing risk of abrupt or irreversible climatic shifts.
2) Social disruption
The research community is providing much more information to support discussions on "dangerous climate change". Recent observations show that societies are highly vulnerable to even modest levels of climate change, with poor nations and communities particularly at risk. Temperature rises above 2C will be very difficult for countries to cope with, and will increase the level of climate disruption through the rest of the century.
3) Long-term strategy
Rapid, sustained, and effective mitigation based on coordinated global and regional action is required to avoid "dangerous climate change" regardless of how it is defined. Weaker targets for 2020 increase the risk of crossing tipping points and make the task of meeting 2050 targets more difficult. Delay in initiating effective mitigation actions increases significantly the long-term social and economic costs of both adaptation and mitigation.
4) Equity dimensions
Climate change is having, and will have, strongly differential effects on people within and between countries and regions, on this generation and future generations, and on human societies and the natural world. An effective, well-funded adaptation safety net is required for those people least capable of coping with climate change impacts, and a common but differentiated mitigation strategy is needed to protect the poor and most vulnerable.
5) Inaction is inexcusable
There is no excuse for inaction. We already have many tools and approaches — economic, technological, behavioural, management — to deal effectively with the climate change challenge. But they must be vigorously and widely implemented to achieve the societal transformation required to decarbonise economies. A wide range of benefits will flow from a concerted effort to alter our energy economy now, including sustainable energy job growth, reductions in the health and economic costs of climate change, and the restoration of ecosystems and revitalisation of ecosystem services.
6) Meeting the challenge
To achieve the societal transformation required to meet the climate change challenge, we must overcome a number of significant constraints and seize critical opportunities. These include reducing inertia in social and economic systems; building on a growing public desire for governments to act on climate change; removing implicit and explicit subsidies; reducing the influence of vested interests that increase emissions and reduce resilience; enabling the shifts from ineffective governance and weak institutions to innovative leadership in government, the private sector and civil society; and engaging society in the transition to norms and practices that foster sustainability.
Based on a report on the conference outcomes in the UK Guardian.
Peter Tait
Greenhouse report 2009
This years Greenhouse 2009 conference in Perth held few surprises. The warming is worse than thought in the IPCC AR4, but until the Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) is out in 2014 little can be done through this process to spur governments to further action. On the other hand the scientific meeting in Copenhagen last week, in the lead up to COP15 this December, put out a statement detailing the increasing rate of change and the need for urgent action.
Many examples of effects of this more than expected rapid warming were given at the conference. While the scientists say it is often difficult to pick whether this is natural variability, the fact that observed measures are tracking along the IPCC A1FI (most carbon intensive SRES) scenario is of concern. The Australian Climate Change Science Program (CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology) had available a booklet Science Update 2009 issue one summarising recent relevant climate change science, with relevant references. It discusses the more recent than IPCC AR4 changes. Subscription can be made at www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au.
Ross Garnaut described how the Great Recession interacts with this “time of decision” on climate mitigation, and he is pessimistic. Although the recession gives us a brief breathing space in emission increases, and an opportunity for structural reform with low opportunity costs, high unemployment and the new distrust for the market as a safe vehicle for managing change may impede effective action. He did make the point that private vested interests have had undue prominence and that those with the public interest at heart need to overwhelm these people.
Filippo Georgi from Aldus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy, presented on issues determining regional, in contrast to global, climate change modeling. It listed the sources of uncertainties that are inherent in the assumptions underlying and built into the models. In spite of these uncertainties massive work done with various ensemble runs of models over time have shown consistently:
Climate change will not be uniform; there will be regional hotspots at subcontinental scales and these are consistent in different models over time; southern Australia particularly in the west is such a spot;
There will be wide variation in climate / weather patterns between consecutive years at the same location;
Rainfall will in general be less frequent but more intense over land masses; and
Globally there will be increases in heatwaves over land.
The government and energy industry seem to think that business nearly as usual with minor tinkering will get us through. Chris Mitchell from the CO2 Group discussed barriers to reducing Australia’s greenhouse emissions which include:
A series of market and regulatory failures rather than a lack of technology, which by and large exists;
Serious complexity in ownership, governance and regulation, incompatibilities in technology and measurement, and lack of good research which all combine to make assessment, planning and decision making about energy options impossibly difficult.
Various industry and government representatives, both those seeking and those giving advice, are clear that they understand there are uncertainties with the science, but they accept the precautionary principle and want scientists to give them a best estimate on which they can begin planning.
Graeme Pearman, former CSIRO Atmospheric Division director and now consultant, emphasised the proposition that understanding and working with human behaviour is fundamental in working our way toward solutions to the uncertain, complex, urgent and inequitable problem that is climate change. He and other speakers discussed ideas for building resilience and sustainable communities to take us along this path. I will report on resilience and adaptation elsewhere.
From a long discussion about oceans it is clear that the problem with global warming and oceans is not sea level rise, but in fact ocean warming and acidification. Other issues pertaining to increases and decreases in salinity are also important. Essentially though climate changes are consequent to the warming of the oceans, which are the major heat sink. Second, as the major CO2 sink, the oceans are acidifying. This not only reduces many species capacity to calcify their shells, but more dangerously it has other effects on a wide range of biological processes necessary for life and reproduction.
Other more specific issues will be covered elsewhere.
To conclude, Graeme Pearman drew the analogy that there are about 6 billion pieces in a Boeing 747. This is roughly the same as the number of species on the planet that make up the ecosystem on which we rely for air, clean water, food and so on. If we were told that one or two (unidentified) pieces of the 747 had been removed we would probably still chose to fly in it. If, however we were told that a random 30% of pieces had been removed, we probably would not. The IPCC AR4 puts the projected likely loss of known species from our ecosystem with a 2 degree rise in temperature at about 30%. Do we still want to fly? Or turn down the thermostat?
Many examples of effects of this more than expected rapid warming were given at the conference. While the scientists say it is often difficult to pick whether this is natural variability, the fact that observed measures are tracking along the IPCC A1FI (most carbon intensive SRES) scenario is of concern. The Australian Climate Change Science Program (CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology) had available a booklet Science Update 2009 issue one summarising recent relevant climate change science, with relevant references. It discusses the more recent than IPCC AR4 changes. Subscription can be made at www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au.
Ross Garnaut described how the Great Recession interacts with this “time of decision” on climate mitigation, and he is pessimistic. Although the recession gives us a brief breathing space in emission increases, and an opportunity for structural reform with low opportunity costs, high unemployment and the new distrust for the market as a safe vehicle for managing change may impede effective action. He did make the point that private vested interests have had undue prominence and that those with the public interest at heart need to overwhelm these people.
Filippo Georgi from Aldus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy, presented on issues determining regional, in contrast to global, climate change modeling. It listed the sources of uncertainties that are inherent in the assumptions underlying and built into the models. In spite of these uncertainties massive work done with various ensemble runs of models over time have shown consistently:
Climate change will not be uniform; there will be regional hotspots at subcontinental scales and these are consistent in different models over time; southern Australia particularly in the west is such a spot;
There will be wide variation in climate / weather patterns between consecutive years at the same location;
Rainfall will in general be less frequent but more intense over land masses; and
Globally there will be increases in heatwaves over land.
The government and energy industry seem to think that business nearly as usual with minor tinkering will get us through. Chris Mitchell from the CO2 Group discussed barriers to reducing Australia’s greenhouse emissions which include:
A series of market and regulatory failures rather than a lack of technology, which by and large exists;
Serious complexity in ownership, governance and regulation, incompatibilities in technology and measurement, and lack of good research which all combine to make assessment, planning and decision making about energy options impossibly difficult.
Various industry and government representatives, both those seeking and those giving advice, are clear that they understand there are uncertainties with the science, but they accept the precautionary principle and want scientists to give them a best estimate on which they can begin planning.
Graeme Pearman, former CSIRO Atmospheric Division director and now consultant, emphasised the proposition that understanding and working with human behaviour is fundamental in working our way toward solutions to the uncertain, complex, urgent and inequitable problem that is climate change. He and other speakers discussed ideas for building resilience and sustainable communities to take us along this path. I will report on resilience and adaptation elsewhere.
From a long discussion about oceans it is clear that the problem with global warming and oceans is not sea level rise, but in fact ocean warming and acidification. Other issues pertaining to increases and decreases in salinity are also important. Essentially though climate changes are consequent to the warming of the oceans, which are the major heat sink. Second, as the major CO2 sink, the oceans are acidifying. This not only reduces many species capacity to calcify their shells, but more dangerously it has other effects on a wide range of biological processes necessary for life and reproduction.
Other more specific issues will be covered elsewhere.
To conclude, Graeme Pearman drew the analogy that there are about 6 billion pieces in a Boeing 747. This is roughly the same as the number of species on the planet that make up the ecosystem on which we rely for air, clean water, food and so on. If we were told that one or two (unidentified) pieces of the 747 had been removed we would probably still chose to fly in it. If, however we were told that a random 30% of pieces had been removed, we probably would not. The IPCC AR4 puts the projected likely loss of known species from our ecosystem with a 2 degree rise in temperature at about 30%. Do we still want to fly? Or turn down the thermostat?
Just walking the dog
Time: April 5, 2009 from 4:30pm to 6pm
Location: Angela Pamela
Organized By:ffanff
Event Description:
Bring your dog for a walk around the Angela Pamela site this Sunday. A good excuse to walk the dog!
Meet with dogs on board, at 4.30pm at the Old South Road turnoff (Maryvale Rd to Santa Teresa), to drive together down to the site.
Carpooling is FUN too!
Location: Angela Pamela
Organized By:ffanff
Event Description:
Bring your dog for a walk around the Angela Pamela site this Sunday. A good excuse to walk the dog!
Meet with dogs on board, at 4.30pm at the Old South Road turnoff (Maryvale Rd to Santa Teresa), to drive together down to the site.
Carpooling is FUN too!
Alice Springs Artists response to the uranium threat
Alice Springs Artists response to the uranium threat
Calling all poets, song writers, artists etc to create works responding to the uranium mining-dumping threats to our town.
We are hoping to create an exhibition to be displayed in the ASTC Library May-June
Queries please call Unanyntji ;0488266478 ,unanyntji@hotmail.com
Calling all poets, song writers, artists etc to create works responding to the uranium mining-dumping threats to our town.
We are hoping to create an exhibition to be displayed in the ASTC Library May-June
Queries please call Unanyntji ;0488266478 ,unanyntji@hotmail.com
NATIONAL CLOSE THE GAP DAY Thursday 2 April 2009 7.45 - 9pm
You’re invited to a Close the Gap event in Alice Springs, hosted by the Fair Trade Folk market stall.
Show your support for closing the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians.
WHAT: Community gathering to mark National Close the Gap Day
WHEN: Thursday 2 April, 7.45 – 9pm.
SPEAKER: Stephanie Bell, Director, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
WHERE: Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council
FOOD: Coffee, tea and homemade sweet treats.
ENTRY: Gold coin donation (proceeds toward CTG)
*The Oxfam Close the Gap video will be screened and there will be an opportunity for discussion and response.
More information: Anna Lennie, Fair Trade Folk 0423 524 293
http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/indigenous-health/
Show your support for closing the 17-year life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians.
WHAT: Community gathering to mark National Close the Gap Day
WHEN: Thursday 2 April, 7.45 – 9pm.
SPEAKER: Stephanie Bell, Director, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress
WHERE: Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council
FOOD: Coffee, tea and homemade sweet treats.
ENTRY: Gold coin donation (proceeds toward CTG)
*The Oxfam Close the Gap video will be screened and there will be an opportunity for discussion and response.
More information: Anna Lennie, Fair Trade Folk 0423 524 293
http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/indigenous-health/
Greening Australia Nursery *Plant Sale* and Garden for Wildlife
Greening Australia Nursery *Plant Sale* and Garden for Wildlife
Two year anniversary celebration.
8am-12pm Saturday 4th April
At the Greening Australia Nursery
Located at Charles Darwin University.
Entrance 2, off Grevillea Dr, Primary Industries NurserySALE
Lots of lovely plants. Tubes, Pots and Advanced Stock.
Desert Peas, Grevilleas, Eremophilas, Eucalypts, Figs & many more Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers.
CELEBRATION
Speeches, tea and coffee, “Planting techniques to improve survival rates and establishment” demonstration, competition winners announced. Garden for Wildlife celebrations will take place 9:15-10am.
Greening Australia Nursery open every Thursday for sales
9am-4pm
Enquiries. Contact Nursery Manger Frances on 0427 775027
Or Garden for Wildlife coordinator Danielle on 89 555 222
Two year anniversary celebration.
8am-12pm Saturday 4th April
At the Greening Australia Nursery
Located at Charles Darwin University.
Entrance 2, off Grevillea Dr, Primary Industries NurserySALE
Lots of lovely plants. Tubes, Pots and Advanced Stock.
Desert Peas, Grevilleas, Eremophilas, Eucalypts, Figs & many more Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers.
CELEBRATION
Speeches, tea and coffee, “Planting techniques to improve survival rates and establishment” demonstration, competition winners announced. Garden for Wildlife celebrations will take place 9:15-10am.
Greening Australia Nursery open every Thursday for sales
9am-4pm
Enquiries. Contact Nursery Manger Frances on 0427 775027
Or Garden for Wildlife coordinator Danielle on 89 555 222
Insect identification workshop
Entomologist Chris Palmer will answer questions such as
What’s the difference between a bug and a beetle?
What makes a grasshopper a grasshopper?
Commencing 6:30pm Olive Pink Botanic Gardens
Thursday 16th April
Please collect your own insects to look at under the microscope and
place in the freezer for at least 24 hours before the workshop.
Kids are encouraged to attend. Adults too!
RSVP by April 10th to Danielle lfw@lowecol.com.au or 89 555 222
Numbers are limited
What’s the difference between a bug and a beetle?
What makes a grasshopper a grasshopper?
Commencing 6:30pm Olive Pink Botanic Gardens
Thursday 16th April
Please collect your own insects to look at under the microscope and
place in the freezer for at least 24 hours before the workshop.
Kids are encouraged to attend. Adults too!
RSVP by April 10th to Danielle lfw@lowecol.com.au or 89 555 222
Numbers are limited
Wide Open Space May 1-3
A three day open air festival celebrating music, arts and culture in the Australian desert. Tickets from greentix: follow this link $60 plus booking fee, $40 for one night only (at the door):
http://www.greentix.com.au/evinfo.php?eventid=33358Held against the stunning backdrop of the East Macdonnell Ranges at the Ross River Resort 85 km from Mparntwe Alice Springs, Wide Open Space will feed your mind, tickle your artistic fancy, fill your cultural deficit, get your booty shaking and share that unnamable expansive quality that we could only call Wide Open Space – the mental, emotional, social, cultural, environmental and spiritual expanse of the desert.Featuring the cream of Central Australian artists and musicians, and special interstate guests hand picked for your experiential pleasure. Headlining:Urthboy: He stared without formal music training, writing lyrics and graffiti which led him down the dark path into the music industry. He has released a plethora of music as a solo artist and as a member of the HERD. In 2008, reworked the classic song From Little Things Big Things Grow that I put together with Richard Pike and Paul Kelly (amongst others) reached number 4 on the singles charts and raised almost $100k for Indigenous health and education programs.http://www.myspace.com/urthboyMista Savona: Cutting edge new sounds and heavy vintage roots music. Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Roots Reggae and Heavyweight Dub sounds. One of the toughest and most exciting presentations of authentic, raw roots reggae and dancehall music in Australia. http://www.myspace.com/mistasavonaSpoonbill: Squishy pulsating bass lines carpet the undergrowth, while dirty squelchy synth licks frolic in a warped menagerie of neurotic cyborgs, rattlesnakes, sirens, champagne froth, fireworks and crushed eggshells. http://www.spoonbill.net.au/Combat Wombat: are an outspoken troupe of hip hop punks mainly located in Melbourne. They’ve just released their second album "Unsound System". Armed with only samplers, mics and turntables, powered by solar energy and an uncompromising belief in Truth over Spin, these desert nomads are the real deal, creating an album that reflects the frontline activism they have become famous for. Unsound System is a bullet to the dark heart of the Australian psyche.www.combatwombat.org/Tjupi Band: The hottest new Indigenous music from Central Australia. Desert reggae at its best. http://www.myspace.com/tjupibandDr Strangeways: Desert SkaFunkle TubeFusion band from the Heart of Australia, Dr Strangeways is a unique blend of hip hop, Ska, Reggae and Roots and are an Alice favourite for getting people grooving. http://www.myspace.com/drstrangewaysPaul Abad: Futuristic glitch/abstract/psychedelic sonics shining through breaks and minimal techno. http://paul.subterran.org/DJ Dakini: Minimal intelligent glitch beats, dubtronica, dubhouse & dubstep grooves, IDM, deep minimal tech, breakbeatz, lush temple beats, downbeat, psydub & ambient shamanic soundscapes. http://www.myspace.com/djdakiniMustaphaa: Alice’s own breakbeat/electro/glitchywonkstep maestro infuses the sensations of the vast expanse of the desert into the folds where dubstep, breaks, glitch and electronica overlap…..always backed by a significant dose of subbass pressure..... And many more……Also featuring kooky Cabaret, innovative installation, performance and visual art cultivated in the fertile dirt of the desert.At it’s heart Wide Open Space is about creating a place of intercultural dialogue and inspiration through enjoyment of the shared language of music, the arts, entertainment, and camping.Wide Open Space also aims to be a forum and showcase for sustainable desert living and celebrating. The focus is on a safe and healthy social and natural environment, minimizing ecological footprint, and promoting local issues and initiatives.
http://www.greentix.com.au/evinfo.php?eventid=33358Held against the stunning backdrop of the East Macdonnell Ranges at the Ross River Resort 85 km from Mparntwe Alice Springs, Wide Open Space will feed your mind, tickle your artistic fancy, fill your cultural deficit, get your booty shaking and share that unnamable expansive quality that we could only call Wide Open Space – the mental, emotional, social, cultural, environmental and spiritual expanse of the desert.Featuring the cream of Central Australian artists and musicians, and special interstate guests hand picked for your experiential pleasure. Headlining:Urthboy: He stared without formal music training, writing lyrics and graffiti which led him down the dark path into the music industry. He has released a plethora of music as a solo artist and as a member of the HERD. In 2008, reworked the classic song From Little Things Big Things Grow that I put together with Richard Pike and Paul Kelly (amongst others) reached number 4 on the singles charts and raised almost $100k for Indigenous health and education programs.http://www.myspace.com/urthboyMista Savona: Cutting edge new sounds and heavy vintage roots music. Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Roots Reggae and Heavyweight Dub sounds. One of the toughest and most exciting presentations of authentic, raw roots reggae and dancehall music in Australia. http://www.myspace.com/mistasavonaSpoonbill: Squishy pulsating bass lines carpet the undergrowth, while dirty squelchy synth licks frolic in a warped menagerie of neurotic cyborgs, rattlesnakes, sirens, champagne froth, fireworks and crushed eggshells. http://www.spoonbill.net.au/Combat Wombat: are an outspoken troupe of hip hop punks mainly located in Melbourne. They’ve just released their second album "Unsound System". Armed with only samplers, mics and turntables, powered by solar energy and an uncompromising belief in Truth over Spin, these desert nomads are the real deal, creating an album that reflects the frontline activism they have become famous for. Unsound System is a bullet to the dark heart of the Australian psyche.www.combatwombat.org/Tjupi Band: The hottest new Indigenous music from Central Australia. Desert reggae at its best. http://www.myspace.com/tjupibandDr Strangeways: Desert SkaFunkle TubeFusion band from the Heart of Australia, Dr Strangeways is a unique blend of hip hop, Ska, Reggae and Roots and are an Alice favourite for getting people grooving. http://www.myspace.com/drstrangewaysPaul Abad: Futuristic glitch/abstract/psychedelic sonics shining through breaks and minimal techno. http://paul.subterran.org/DJ Dakini: Minimal intelligent glitch beats, dubtronica, dubhouse & dubstep grooves, IDM, deep minimal tech, breakbeatz, lush temple beats, downbeat, psydub & ambient shamanic soundscapes. http://www.myspace.com/djdakiniMustaphaa: Alice’s own breakbeat/electro/glitchywonkstep maestro infuses the sensations of the vast expanse of the desert into the folds where dubstep, breaks, glitch and electronica overlap…..always backed by a significant dose of subbass pressure..... And many more……Also featuring kooky Cabaret, innovative installation, performance and visual art cultivated in the fertile dirt of the desert.At it’s heart Wide Open Space is about creating a place of intercultural dialogue and inspiration through enjoyment of the shared language of music, the arts, entertainment, and camping.Wide Open Space also aims to be a forum and showcase for sustainable desert living and celebrating. The focus is on a safe and healthy social and natural environment, minimizing ecological footprint, and promoting local issues and initiatives.
Biodiesel Workshop
BIODIESEL WORKSHOP
Make Your Own Biodiesel for 25 c / litre
When: Sunday 24th May 2009, 9 am to 2 pm
Location: Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council, 93 Todd St, NT
Cost: $70 + $7 gst food not included
Speaker: Jonathon Thwaites, University of WA and the Alternative Technology Association WA
To book: http://www.sustainability.fm.uwa.edu.au/welcome/biodiesel
Jonathon has been running biodiesel workshops for 6 years and provides training courses for Bioworks, one of the few Australian companies establishing regionalised biodiesel factories for local industry and reactors suitable for backyard or farmy use.
The aim of the course is show how easy it is to manufacture biodiesel and how biodiesel fits into the future of alternative energy.
Workshop outline
Biofuels and Biodiesel Introduction
Biodiesel Demonstration
making a 2 litre batch in class
Safety
Morning tea and Discussion
Theory - Chemistry and Testing
Finish Biodiesel Lab
Legal Aspects, Future of Biodiesel
Conclusion
Contact: Jonathon Thwaites jthwaites@admin.uwa.edu.au
Make Your Own Biodiesel for 25 c / litre
When: Sunday 24th May 2009, 9 am to 2 pm
Location: Andy McNeill Room, Alice Springs Town Council, 93 Todd St, NT
Cost: $70 + $7 gst food not included
Speaker: Jonathon Thwaites, University of WA and the Alternative Technology Association WA
To book: http://www.sustainability.fm.uwa.edu.au/welcome/biodiesel
Jonathon has been running biodiesel workshops for 6 years and provides training courses for Bioworks, one of the few Australian companies establishing regionalised biodiesel factories for local industry and reactors suitable for backyard or farmy use.
The aim of the course is show how easy it is to manufacture biodiesel and how biodiesel fits into the future of alternative energy.
Workshop outline
Biofuels and Biodiesel Introduction
Biodiesel Demonstration
making a 2 litre batch in class
Safety
Morning tea and Discussion
Theory - Chemistry and Testing
Finish Biodiesel Lab
Legal Aspects, Future of Biodiesel
Conclusion
Contact: Jonathon Thwaites jthwaites@admin.uwa.edu.au
National Biodiversity Strategy Review
National Biodiversity Strategy Review
Information Session
Alice Springs Desert Park
Thursday April 23
2pm-4.30pm
The Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, on behalf of the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments, is inviting public comments on the draft Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2020.
The draft strategy is an important national policy document that will guide how governments, the community, industry and scientists manage and protect Australia’s plants, animals and ecosystems over the next ten years.
The consultation draft of Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy has been developed collaboratively by all State and Territory governments and the Australian Government, with advice from the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
The consultation draft has been developed to replace the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity, which was agreed in 1996.
1.1.1 How to make your submission
Read the draft strategy and related documents
Draft strategy
Current strategy (1996)
A national approach to addressing marine biodiversity decline
Make your submission online at https://www.nationalbiodiversitystrategy.com Note: if you are unable to make your submission online, please call 1800 803 772 to discuss other ways of making a submission.
Public submissions close 29 May 2009.
See http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/strategy/review.html for more details.
Information Session
Alice Springs Desert Park
Thursday April 23
2pm-4.30pm
The Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, on behalf of the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments, is inviting public comments on the draft Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2020.
The draft strategy is an important national policy document that will guide how governments, the community, industry and scientists manage and protect Australia’s plants, animals and ecosystems over the next ten years.
The consultation draft of Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy has been developed collaboratively by all State and Territory governments and the Australian Government, with advice from the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
The consultation draft has been developed to replace the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia's Biological Diversity, which was agreed in 1996.
1.1.1 How to make your submission
Read the draft strategy and related documents
Draft strategy
Current strategy (1996)
A national approach to addressing marine biodiversity decline
Make your submission online at https://www.nationalbiodiversitystrategy.com Note: if you are unable to make your submission online, please call 1800 803 772 to discuss other ways of making a submission.
Public submissions close 29 May 2009.
See http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/strategy/review.html for more details.
Greening Australia Nursery OPEN FOR PLANT SALES 9am - 4 pm Thursdays
Greening Australia Nursery OPEN FOR PLANT SALES 9am - 4 pm Thursdays
Nursery is located at Charles Darwin University.Entrance 2, off Grevillea Dve, Primary Industries Nursery
Lots of Lovely Plants
Tubes, Pots and Advances Stock, Ready to Go
Desert Peas, Grevilleas, Eremophilas, Eucalypts, Figs & many more Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers. VOLUNTEERS MOST WELCOME TO JOIN US ON A THURSDAY TO HELP WITH PROPAGATION
Enquiries. Contact Frances on 0427 775027
Locally Sourced, Locally Grown Plants for Central Australia
Nursery is located at Charles Darwin University.Entrance 2, off Grevillea Dve, Primary Industries Nursery
Lots of Lovely Plants
Tubes, Pots and Advances Stock, Ready to Go
Desert Peas, Grevilleas, Eremophilas, Eucalypts, Figs & many more Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers. VOLUNTEERS MOST WELCOME TO JOIN US ON A THURSDAY TO HELP WITH PROPAGATION
Enquiries. Contact Frances on 0427 775027
Locally Sourced, Locally Grown Plants for Central Australia
Watch this Space
Event: Peter Toyne 'Playing God' & Siying Zhou 'Greener in Alice Springs'
"Exhibition Opening "
Host: Watch this SPACE
Start Time: Tomorrow, April 3 at 5:30pm
End Time: Friday, April 24 at 4:00pm
Where: Watch this SPACE, 9 George Cres
"Exhibition Opening "
Host: Watch this SPACE
Start Time: Tomorrow, April 3 at 5:30pm
End Time: Friday, April 24 at 4:00pm
Where: Watch this SPACE, 9 George Cres
Olive Pink Botanic Gardens
Breakfast with the Birds at the Bean Tree Café within Olive Pink Botanic Gardens each weekend from 8.30am. Café operates Tues – Fri 10am – 4pm. Sat & Sun 8.30am – 4pm.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
ALEC Update March 12
G’day all,
Hope this finds you well.
We have got a bumper update for you this week.
Thanks for the feedback regarding the Container Deposit Legislation announcement yesterday. I wholeheartedly agree that we must hold them to this now and ensure that we do indeed have a CDL system in the Northern Territory as soon as possible.
If you’re receiving this email as a non-financial member, please renew your membership. If you sign up for a year now, you will be financial until July 2010. Also, please consider donating to ALEC. Although we will be receiving substantially larger funding from the NT Government this year, we are still in a tight situation due to the loss of income from the Centre for Sustainable Arid Towns and the Threatened Species Network.
We will be launching a 3 month fundraising campaign from April to July.
Stay tuned for details of fun nights out, informative film sessions, guest speakers and the tax-deductible community infrastructure and development fund, soon to announced.
Also, there will be no ALEC Update next week as I will be attending the Mittagong Forum in Victoria. It’s a 3-day conference of national and regional environment organisations on building capacity and effectiveness of the environment movement in Australia.
Have a good week.
Key dates:
Grab your diaries:
Fri Mar 13 FFANFF Pram Jam Council Lawns 9am (details below)
Sat Mar 14 DKA COOLmob – Gardens Challenge – 9.30am – (details below)
Fri Mar 20 Alice Solar Cities 1st year anniversary 5-10pm – Araluen Arts Centre (details below and attached)
Fri Mar 20 Dance in the Dust - 6:00pm - 8:00pm – Ilparpa (details below)
Sat Mar 21 Massive Native Plant Sale Sat. Olive Pink Botanic Gardens 8 am–11am (see below)
Sun Mar 22 World Water Day – Todd Mall Markets- All day
Sun Mar 22 Miss Pink Birthday celebration 3pm at Olive Pink Botanic Garden (see below).
Fri Mar 27 Public Meeting Kon Vatskalis re: Angela Pamela – Andy McNeill Room – 11.30am-12.30pm (details below)
Fri Mar 27 Climate Action meeting with Warren Snowdon 2.30pm (details below)
Sat Mar 28 Earth Hour – Switch off all non-essential electricity between 8.30-9.30pm
Mon Apr 6 Expressions of Interest for Caring for Our Country grants close
Sun May 24 Biodiesel-making workshop (See Attachment) more details to come
Also don’t forget
----------------------------
Alice Springs Artists response to the uranium threat
Calling all poets, song writers, artists etc to create works responding to the uranium mining-dumping threats to our town.
We are hoping to create an exhibition to be displayed in the ASTC Library May-June
Queries please call Unanyntji ;0488266478 ,unanyntji@hotmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------
No piecemeal solution is going to prevent the collapse of whole societies and ecosystems ... a radical re-thinking of our values, priorities and political systems is urgent. -- Maude Barlow
Kind regards
Jimmy
Hope this finds you well.
We have got a bumper update for you this week.
Thanks for the feedback regarding the Container Deposit Legislation announcement yesterday. I wholeheartedly agree that we must hold them to this now and ensure that we do indeed have a CDL system in the Northern Territory as soon as possible.
If you’re receiving this email as a non-financial member, please renew your membership. If you sign up for a year now, you will be financial until July 2010. Also, please consider donating to ALEC. Although we will be receiving substantially larger funding from the NT Government this year, we are still in a tight situation due to the loss of income from the Centre for Sustainable Arid Towns and the Threatened Species Network.
We will be launching a 3 month fundraising campaign from April to July.
Stay tuned for details of fun nights out, informative film sessions, guest speakers and the tax-deductible community infrastructure and development fund, soon to announced.
Also, there will be no ALEC Update next week as I will be attending the Mittagong Forum in Victoria. It’s a 3-day conference of national and regional environment organisations on building capacity and effectiveness of the environment movement in Australia.
Have a good week.
Key dates:
Grab your diaries:
Fri Mar 13 FFANFF Pram Jam Council Lawns 9am (details below)
Sat Mar 14 DKA COOLmob – Gardens Challenge – 9.30am – (details below)
Fri Mar 20 Alice Solar Cities 1st year anniversary 5-10pm – Araluen Arts Centre (details below and attached)
Fri Mar 20 Dance in the Dust - 6:00pm - 8:00pm – Ilparpa (details below)
Sat Mar 21 Massive Native Plant Sale Sat. Olive Pink Botanic Gardens 8 am–11am (see below)
Sun Mar 22 World Water Day – Todd Mall Markets- All day
Sun Mar 22 Miss Pink Birthday celebration 3pm at Olive Pink Botanic Garden (see below).
Fri Mar 27 Public Meeting Kon Vatskalis re: Angela Pamela – Andy McNeill Room – 11.30am-12.30pm (details below)
Fri Mar 27 Climate Action meeting with Warren Snowdon 2.30pm (details below)
Sat Mar 28 Earth Hour – Switch off all non-essential electricity between 8.30-9.30pm
Mon Apr 6 Expressions of Interest for Caring for Our Country grants close
Sun May 24 Biodiesel-making workshop (See Attachment) more details to come
Also don’t forget
----------------------------
Alice Springs Artists response to the uranium threat
Calling all poets, song writers, artists etc to create works responding to the uranium mining-dumping threats to our town.
We are hoping to create an exhibition to be displayed in the ASTC Library May-June
Queries please call Unanyntji ;0488266478 ,unanyntji@hotmail.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------
No piecemeal solution is going to prevent the collapse of whole societies and ecosystems ... a radical re-thinking of our values, priorities and political systems is urgent. -- Maude Barlow
Kind regards
Jimmy
COOLmob NEws
COOLmob Gardens Challenge… Open Day – Saturday March 14
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob is presenting another FREE workshop as part of the ongoing “Gardens Challenge” project.
This weeks workshop is focused on developing a ‘family friendly’ garden relevant for suburban Alice Springs households. The garden will be transformed into a space idea for children and incorporate some lawn, veggies, fruit trees and native plants. However, the overall emphasis will be how to achieve this by using the least amount of water possible.
Geoff Miers, local gardening guru and manager of Geoff Miers Garden Solutions will be sharing his desert horticultural experience, and answering questions. The particular focus will be on garden planning and how to eliminate unwanted grass – especially couch.
Come along for a cuppa, and share ideas with other interested people…
Details:
** Saturday 14th March 2009 **
9.30 am to 12.30 pm at 16 Clarke St.
Numbers are limited please indicate your interest with
Robbie Henderson on 89520299 or Claire Bastin
Email: Claire.Bastin@cdu.edu.au
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob is a network of sustainable households in Alice Springs supported by the Arid Lands Environment Centre and Desert Knowledge Australia
Robbie Henderson
Project Manager
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob
Ph: (08) 8952 0299 Fax: (08) 8953 2988
http://dka.coolmob.org
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob is presenting another FREE workshop as part of the ongoing “Gardens Challenge” project.
This weeks workshop is focused on developing a ‘family friendly’ garden relevant for suburban Alice Springs households. The garden will be transformed into a space idea for children and incorporate some lawn, veggies, fruit trees and native plants. However, the overall emphasis will be how to achieve this by using the least amount of water possible.
Geoff Miers, local gardening guru and manager of Geoff Miers Garden Solutions will be sharing his desert horticultural experience, and answering questions. The particular focus will be on garden planning and how to eliminate unwanted grass – especially couch.
Come along for a cuppa, and share ideas with other interested people…
Details:
** Saturday 14th March 2009 **
9.30 am to 12.30 pm at 16 Clarke St.
Numbers are limited please indicate your interest with
Robbie Henderson on 89520299 or Claire Bastin
Email: Claire.Bastin@cdu.edu.au
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob is a network of sustainable households in Alice Springs supported by the Arid Lands Environment Centre and Desert Knowledge Australia
Robbie Henderson
Project Manager
Desert Knowledge Australia COOLmob
Ph: (08) 8952 0299 Fax: (08) 8953 2988
http://dka.coolmob.org
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
